Communication problem with an old device on a GPIB bus

[Zimbo]

Hi,

I'm using a NI PCMCIA-GPIB+ card plugged into my laptop(running WinXP) to communicate with a Mitutoyo "MAG-1" (Multi-Axis Gathering) device. This device follows the IEEE488 Std 75/78.

I'm running my C code in MS VC++ environment and simultaneously studying the communication between my laptop and MAG using the NI GPIB Analyzer software.

First I let the MAG know that it has to do an 'interface test' by sending the device specific instruction from the MAG manual. Then I send the 'test data' to it and it should send me back the bit by bit compliment of my test data. I use ibwrt/ibrd functions with proper addressing and delimiter settings.

Of the 20 or more times, I ran the application only once did the communication went fine, meaning I got the compliment of my test data.

Most of the time: in the first step itself, i.e. letting the device know about the test by using ibwrt function, the application gives me a ibwrt timeout error.

Does it have something to do with the timing issues of GPIB card and the device. I'm new to GPIB. Can anyone help me with my problem?

[Magestic]

I think you need to take this to a specialized forum.

[Tormentius]

I think you need to take this to a specialized forum.

I think you'll find our Zimbo here fancies himself as a bit of a troll

Ah, that makes a little more sense.